Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) deep tech startup SAP Aerospace Jammu has won the 'Dare to Dream 4.0 innovation competition' to develop engines for combat drones, officials said on Friday.

Led by Dr Shanmugadas KP and graduates Ayush Divyansh and Preetam Jamod, the startup emerged victorious in the open category of DRDO's TDF Dare to Dream 4.0 Innovation Competition, an official spokesperson said.

This prestigious victory marks an important milestone for SAP Aerospace and its innovative work in the field of combat drone technology, he added.

DRDO's Dare to Dream 4.0 Innovation Competition is designed to support promising companies with innovative solutions, providing them with the crucial resources needed to advance their technologies. SAP Aerospace's victory is a testament to its cutting-edge aero engine technology, designed specifically for unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs), the official said.

Dr. Shanmugadas and his team at SAP Aerospace are at the forefront of developing next-generation aero engines, with the potential to revolutionize the capabilities and functionality of combat drones.

Its innovative engine solutions promise to improve the performance, efficiency and operational capabilities of UCAVs, paving the way for a new era in unmanned aerial combat, he said.

"We are honored and delighted to have won DRDO's Dare to Dream 4.0 innovation competition," said Dr. Shanmugadas, founder of SAP Aerospace.

“This achievement is a validation of our team's hard work and dedication to developing next-generation aero engines for combat drones. DRDO's support and resources will be instrumental in realizing our revolutionary engine technology," he added.

Victory in the Dare to Dream 4.0 innovation competition propels SAP Aerospace into the spotlight as a leading innovator in aero engine technology.

With this victory, the company is well positioned to accelerate the development of its next-generation engine solutions, bringing its vision of advanced combat drones closer to reality, he added.